Crowborough Hockey celebrate season’s end

Hamish Marr was named men’s first team player of the year at the Crowborough Hockey Club annual dinner dance.

Hamish Marr, Mens Ones Player of the Year

The talented player represented the Ones and Sussex this season, as well as using his expertise to coach the juniors on Saturday mornings and at tournaments.

Abi Dawson, Ladies Ones Player of the Year

Ladies Ones Player of the Year went to Abi Dawson, who had a successful season in Division One, with the team achieving a mid-table finish.

Rachel Youlton, 14, was the Ladies Twos Player of the Year awarded for her exceptional ability to marshal the defence and clear her lines while Phil Newington took the award for the men’s second X1 player.

Club Person of the Year was awarded to Sharon McGinley, captain of the Ladies Ones. McGinley moved from her familiar attacking role to a defensive one this season to ensure her team had a sense of solidity they could build on. She also helped nurture a number of young players, offering opportunities for them to experience first team hockey.

There was success for a series of younger players. Imi Joliffe, who moved from development to seconds to the firsts in just one season, was named Ladies Young Player of the Year while Sam Chick won for the Boys after an excellent season. Cassidy McCarthy who made her first team debut in the plate competition won development player of the year for the girls and the highly skilled Thomas James took the award in the boys’ section.

Will Rumm, 11, became the first junior player to win the coveted Mixed Hockey team Player of the Year for his success in a series of county tournaments.

The fair play awards, which are really important to this family friendly club, went to Hazel Ediss and Ben Churchward for their excellent sense of teamwork and fair play across the season. The Loyalty Cup went to club secretary Vikki Link.

The event took place at Barnsgate with club chairman Guy Lungmuss presiding and President Hilary Brown presenting the awards.

Hilary Brown who retired as a player after being with the club for 49 seasons!

Eight junior players made their debuts in Sussex League Division Two in the last game of the season beating South Downs 1-0. They played alongside the regular, experienced members of the squad.

It was a big step-up especially for the younger ones but they all enjoyed it. Now they know what its like to play in the Ladies League I’m sure they’ll be itching to play at this level again as soon as possible! They had an excellent attitude and were a pleasure to play alongside.